Running a full marathon is no easy feat. Over 26.2 miles, or 42.95 km, your feet, legs, and entire body take a beating, and runners often face fatigue, cramps, and more.
Because marathon running is such a major challenge, this long-distance race has shot to the top of countless running bucket lists. Both experienced runners and beginner runners alike are signing up for marathons, lacing up their shoes, and taking on this major test of endurance and fitness.
But no matter how many marathons you’ve run and how experienced of a runner you are, there’s one crucial piece of equipment needed for race day – the right pair of running shoes.
The perfect marathon running shoe will keep you as comfortable as possible over 26.2 miles while propelling you to the finish line and helping you crush your marathon goals. Whether you want to PR or just want to cross the finish line, a good marathon running shoe will help you get there.
So how do you know which running shoe is the right choice for your marathon?
We’ve put together a list of some of the best marathon running shoes you can find on the market. But the truth is, there’s no one right answer to which marathon running shoe is the best.
Every runner has different needs and goals, so we suggest visiting a local specialty running shop for a complete fitting to help you find the best choice for you. But with this guide to the best marathon running shoes, we hope we can help you narrow down your options and understand what to look for when browsing marathon shoes.
What to Look for in the Best Marathon Running Shoes
Nearly every popular running shoe brand has entered the marathon running shoe game, offering shoes that could work for a huge range of marathon runners. But there are a few key factors to look for and consider when deciding which shoe is right for your race day.
Carbon Plate or No Carbon Plate?
With the rise of super shoes, more and more runners are wearing carbon-plated shoes to their marathon start line. These super shoes include a super lightweight design, a high-stack height of responsive and high-quality foam, and a curved carbon plate in the midsole for extra bounce and energy return.
These shoes are energetic and fun to run in and can help propel you through each stride, but aren’t necessary for every marathon runner. While they can help you reach certain time goals and keep you moving fast, there can be some downsides to these carbon-plated shoes.
While they have a higher price tag than other daily trainers, they don’t hold up as well and are built for speed and lightness over durability. They also lack the stability and support of other daily trainers, so beginner or injury-prone runners may benefit more from a supportive, high-cushion daily trainer to carry them through 26.2 miles.
In this guide, we’ll include both carbon-plated shoes and regular trainers that are great for marathons. Consider your own goals, preferences, and needs before deciding whether a plated shoe is right for your marathon.
Cushioning
Running any distance can create lots of impact on your feet, legs, and the rest of your body. And over the course of a full marathon, your body may start to feel sore and fatigued. That’s why finding a shoe with plenty of cushion is so important for your health and comfort.
Cushioning absorbs impact and shock as you run, which can prevent fatigue and keep your body and feet feeling comfortable, even over long distances. Look for shoes that offer plenty of cushion underfoot to protect your body all the way through to the marathon finish line.
If you’re looking to break a time goal, it’s also important to consider the feel and responsiveness of the cushion. Super soft cushioning in shoes will cause you to sink in and exert more energy with each stride. While cushioning is important, look for shoes with a bouncier and more responsive landing for more efficient strides and faster turnover.
For first-time marathoners, the responsiveness of the cushioning is less crucial. If your goal is to make it to the finish line, focus on finding a shoe that feels comfortable under your foot, even if that shoe has a softer foam. While this energy return and responsiveness may be important for those trying to shave seconds off their time, it’s less relevant for marathon beginners.
Lightness and Breathability
Long runs can often make your feet start to feel heavy and weighed down. If you’ve ever experienced your feet feeling heavy on long runs, shoes with a lightweight and breathable upper and design may benefit you on race day.
Shoes with lightweight mesh uppers won’t drag you down and will keep your feet feeling light and fast throughout your race. These lighter-weight uppers also offer more breathability, so your feet can stay cool and comfortable throughout the entire run.
Support
Many marathon-specific shoes aren’t designed around support and stability. While the carbon plate and lightweight build makes them faster, this design also doesn’t offer quite as much impact protection as other daily trainers might.
If you overpronate and need supportive shoes, or just prefer a shoe with a touch of stability, you may want to avoid typical marathon racing shoes and go with a trainer that’s geared more towards your needs. While these more traditional running shoes may not be as light and fast, they’ll help prevent injuries and keep you comfortable over several hours of running.
Rocker Geometry
Many running shoes today include a design feature known as rocker geometry. Shoes with a rocker profile include a curved midsole to help you more efficiently transition from heel to toe and push you through every stride.
While many daily trainers include this geometry, a rocker can be particularly beneficial during a marathon or other longer races. The curved shape of the midsole is more energy efficient, so runners can exert less effort and energy with each stride. It also helps reduce stress on the heel and ankle to keep you moving forward with less load and impact on your joints.
This rocker geometry is often more pronounced in super shoes, although this design is becoming prevalent in many everyday trainers as well. So whether you need a super shoe or a more traditional trainer, you can enjoy the benefits of this rocker geometry during your marathon.
The 7 Best Marathon Running Shoes
Now that you know exactly what features you should be looking for in a marathon shoe, you’re ready to start browsing around for your perfect pair.
To make the process easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best marathon running shoes around. These shoes combine several of the best marathon running shoe features to create a fantastic race day experience.
Here are 7 of the best marathon running shoes to consider for your next race day.
- adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
- Saucony Endorphin Pro 5
- Puma Deviate Nitro 4
- New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
- Asics Superblast 3
- Hoka Mach X 3
- On Cloudmonster 3
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
If you’ve ever ran or spectated a marathon, you’ve likely come across athletes wearing the adidas adizero Adios Pro 4. This fast and light road racing shoe is designed around performance, helping athletes pick up the pace in comfort and style during any long-distance race.
While many racing shoes include a full-length carbon plate, the Adios Pro 4 relies on carbon-infused Energy Rods 2.0 within the dual-layered midsole. These unique energy rods provide targeted stiffness and rigidity in the shoe, all while guaranteeing exceptional energy return and a bouncy and efficient ride.
Under the foot, you’ll find two layers of adidas’s premium Lightstrike Pro foam. Despite the impressive stack height – 39 mm of cushion in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot – this responsive midsole cushion helps the shoe remain stable and lightweight at only 7.05 oz. for men and 6.14 oz. for women.
The light and breathable upper is another major benefit, offering lots of ventilation so you can stay cool and comfortable during long runs in any climate. And while Adidas shoes typically run narrow, the Adios Pro 4 features a wider, more accommodating upper and overall fit so more runners can enjoy all this shoe has to offer.
Not only is the Adios Pro 4 a great option for elite athletes, but the stable and supportive energy rods and exceptional cushioning make this a great option for any runner looking for a fast and comfortable race-day shoe.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 5
The Saucony Endorphin line has always held its own with marathon runners. After just five generations, it’s become one of the most popular long-distance shoes on the market.
The midsole stacks PWRRUN HG over PWRRUN PB with a carbon plate, and it leans toward a controlled feel. While there’s still a bit of energy return for when you pick up speed, it settles beautifully once you get into a stride.
The Speedroll geometry helps here. It keeps your stride moving forward, which makes it easier to stay consistent when you start getting tired. At 39.5 mm in the heel / 31.5 mm forefoot with an 8 mm drop, there’s more than enough protection for the distance, though not so much that you feel disconnected from the ground.
Our reviewers are big fans of the elastic mesh that Saucony sewed into the upper. It’s both secure and breathable.
It’s certainly not the most aggressive option on the start line, but it’s one of the easier ones to trust.
Puma Deviate Nitro 4
Puma doesn’t always get the love it deserves on marathon start lines, but the Deviate Nitro 4 is hard to ignore.
One of the big reasons why is the midsole. With a PEBA-based Nitro layer on top, firmer foam underneath, and a plate in between, it handles long efforts beautifully. It’s not overly soft, so it doesn’t bottom out late, but it’s not harsh either.
The platform sits at 38 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot with an 8 mm drop. Balance is something our reviewers often look for in marathon shoes, and Puma struck it well here.
Of course, no Puma review is complete without talking about PUMAGRIP. It’s a truly elite grip, and we’re surprised it doesn’t get more attention. Having that extra support means one less thing to think about when you’re trying to stay in the zone.
It’s wide, it’s energetic, and it’s the best big cat for the big race in the Puma line.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
The New Balance FuelCell CuperComp Trainer v3 is a great option for runners looking for a shoe they can carry over from training to the race day start line.
New Balance first unveiled their new FuelCell foam in 2019. Models made with this premium, nitrogen-infused foam tend to be light, springy, and energetic, and the SuperComp Trainer v3 is no exception. With a whopping 40mm of this foam under the heel and 36mm under the toe, this high-cushioned trainer is designed to propel you through any type of run.
The SuperComp Trainer features Energy Arc technology, a unique tech that combines a carbon fiber plate, unique midsole geometry, and strategic midsole cutouts for maximum energy return. And while carbon plates can sometimes make shoes feel too stiff underfoot, that’s not a concern with the SuperComp Trainer. The cushioned, angular midsole feels incredibly soft and cushioned, so your feet will feel comfortable and happy from miles 1 through 26.
The prominent rocker geometry is another great feature of this uptempo shoe, as the curved sole encourages forward motion and easy transitions. These race-day-ready features are rounded out by the lightweight mesh upper. The almost sock-like fit feels fantastic right out of the box, so you can feel comfortable and secure as you focus on other race day preparations.
Asics Superblast 3
Not every great marathon running shoe needs to have a carbon plate, and with the Superblast 3, Asics shows that they can make a light and fast race-day shoe without the carbon fiber. Instead, the Superblast 3 relies on fantastic cushioning and energized design features to carry you through your next race.
The true standout feature of the Superblast 3 is the high stack height and responsive cushioning. With a 47/39 mm stack height, the Superblast offers plenty of bounce and protection for your feet and joints, whether you’re tackling an uptempo workout or a marathon.
The midsole combines the brand’s plush FF Leap superfoam with a responsive FF Blast Plus layer for a balanced and incredibly energetic underfoot experience.
The trampoline-inspired pod design and ASICSGRIP outsole provides even more bounce with every landing while adding targeted durability and traction to the sole. This is especially important in the Superblast 3, as the shoe’s versatility means it can easily double as a training and racing shoe.
If you do choose the Superblast 3 for your marathon, you won’t have to worry about any movement or sliding throughout the run. The engineered woven upper offers a snug and secure fit, while the gusseted tongue keeps everything securely locked in place.
Hoka Mach X 3
From the elite athletes battling it out at the front to the middle and back-of-the-pack runners, you’ll likely see countless Hoka shoes at any marathon. And if you’re looking for a dependable and fast marathon shoe from this popular sportswear company, look no further than the Mach X 3.
Whether you want a versatile speed trainer or a specific marathon day shoe, the Mach X 3 is ready to help you pick up the pace. The midsole consists of two layers of foam, including a high-rebound PEBA foam and plush EVA foam.
Despite the high stack height – 44mm in the heel and 39mm in the forefoot – the Mach X 3 feels balanced and stable. This is in part due to the Pebax plate sandwiched between the midsole layers. Along with providing extra support, this extended plate propels you forward and adds some spring and rebound with each landing.
Hoka shoes are known for their aggressive meta-rocker technology, and this geometry really comes into play in the Mach X 3. The increased rocker profile keeps you moving forward with speed and efficiency. Finally, the woven upper ties this race-ready shoe together, offering a secure fit, gusseted tongue, and sleek collar for extra comfort and reassurance.
On Cloudmonster 3
While carbon plated shoes may help you PR, they’re also expensive, less durable than daily trainers, and can even increase the risk of injuries. Injury-prone runners or first-time marathoners may want to consider a more traditional high-cushion shoe for their marathon, such as the Cloudmonster 3 from On Running.
The Cloudmonster 3 is a high-cushioned daily trainer designed to offer exceptional padding and shock absorption with every run. The 35mm/29mm stack height is made up of On’s responsive Helion foam. This cushioned midsole is paired with a triple layer of the brand’s unique Cloudtec pods for extra rebound and comfort.
While the shoe lacks the carbon plate featured in super shoes, the Cloudmonster 3 does feature an embedded nylon Speedboard for additional energy return and snappy landings. This forward rolling design, along with the responsive cushioning, makes this a fantastic daily training shoe to carry over into marathon runs.
Because the Cloudmonster 3 isn’t explicitly designed for race day, it is a bit heavier than other shoes on this list at 10.4 oz for men’s shoes and 8.46 oz for women’s. But if your marathon goal is to make it to the finish line, you may find that these extra ounces are worth the cushioning, durability, and comfort of a more traditional high-cushioned running shoe.
The Best Marathon Running Shoes: Final Thoughts
Whether you’re prepping for your first marathon or are an experienced athlete trying to break a PR at your next race, finding the perfect marathon shoe is crucial in helping you reach your running goals.
At Marathon Sports, we know that every runner has their own unique needs and preferences when it comes to running shoes. While we hope this guide will point you in the right direction for your next marathon shoe, the best way to determine which of these models is right for you is to test them out for yourself.
When you visit your local Marathon Sports, our footwear experts will use the Right Fit Process to narrow down your choices and determine which shoe is right for your next race day. You can test out the shoes on this list and so many more, so you can feel confident you’re walking out with the perfect running shoes to carry you to that marathon finish line.
Stop in today or shop our convenient online store to find race day shoes, training shoes, nutrition, gear, and anything else you may need to ensure you earn that marathon medal!
